Sherry greeted for ‘Democracy’s Hero’ title

ISLAMABAD: People from different walks of life have congratulated Information Minister Sherry Rehman for winning the title of ‘Democracy’s Hero’ by International Republican Institute (IPI).

In a statement, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairwoman Asma Jehangir said the IRI Award was recognition of the Information Minister’s struggle for democracy.

“After the title’s award, Sherry Rehman will have to speed up her efforts for strengthening democracy and freedom of media in Pakistan,” Asma said.

She said many people, especially the PPP leaders and workers, had rendered great sacrifices for restoration of democracy in the country.

She said the award would encourage Pakistani women and greatly contribute towards protection of women rights.

Food and Agriculture Minister Rafiq Ahmed Jamali said the IPI title of Democracy’s Hero for Sherry Rehman was appreciable.

He said the credit for the title went to Pakistan People’s Party, its founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, who always struggled for democracy.

He said the title was also global acknowledgement of the PPP’s struggle for democracy. He said he hoped the Information Minister would continue with her vibrant role in policymaking and strengthening democracy.

Kashmir Affairs Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said the title was not only an honour for Sherry Rehman and the PPP but also for the whole nation.

“The IRI title reflects international community’s acknowledgement of Sherry’s democratic struggle. No one can deny her unprecedented contributions towards upholding democratic norms in Pakistan,” he said.

He said following Benazir Bhutto’s vision of reconciliation, the Information Minister had played a vital role in uniting political forces and putting the country on the path to progress and prosperity.

Kaira said international community recognised Sherry Rehman’s services for the country. “It’s highly appreciable,” he said.